Home News & Features World Animal Protection: TripAdvisor ‘Profiting’ from Wildlife Tourist Attractions

World Animal Protection: TripAdvisor ‘Profiting’ from Wildlife Tourist Attractions

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NEW YORK—TripAdvisor is promoting and profiting from some of the world’s cruelest wildlife tourist attractions, says global animal welfare organization World Animal Protection. World Animal Protection estimates that at least 550,000 wild animals are suffering at the hands of irresponsible wildlife tourist attractions around the world, many of which are promoted and sold via TripAdvisor to its 300 million visitors each month. Tourists who are buying tickets to ride elephants, handle sea turtles, watch dolphin performances, and take lion and tiger “selfies”, via the world’s largest travel site, are usually unaware of the abuse and suffering the animals experience in these venues.

Despite TripAdvisor previously stating that they were “open to finding ways in which we can help travelers gain a better understanding of animal welfare and conservation practices,” TripAdvisor has so far failed to take any action even though World Animal Protection says it has made numerous attempts to work with the company.

According to World Animal Protection, the animals at cruel wildlife tourist attractions are often taken from their mothers when young. They are beaten and endure ongoing physical and psychological abuse during training to make them submissive enough to give rides, perform tricks, or pose for vacation “selfies” with tourists. They are then chained or kept in barren cages for the rest of their lives, a far cry from the freedom of their natural habitats.

TripAdvisor Ranks, Rewards Venues

TripAdvisor states that the listings on its website do not represent any form of endorsement by the company, instead providing a platform for travelers to share their positive or negative opinions. Yet, contrary to its claim of impartiality, TripAdvisor ranks and rewards cruel venues through its Popularity Index and Certificate of Excellence program, boosting their website presence and reinforcing their popularity with potential travelers.

World Animal Protection proposed to TripAdvisor the following changes:

•    Stop sales of tickets to cruel wildlife attractions, such as those sold via subsidiary company Viator.
•    Stop cruel attractions from receiving a Certificate of Excellence.
•    Stop cruel attractions from being ranked in its Popularity Index.
•    Introduce a WildlifeLeaders program based on TripAdvisor’s existing GreenLeaders program, helping users to make informed choices and encouraging businesses to implement better welfare and conservation standards for animals.

Julie Middelkoop, Global Head of the Wildlife, Not Entertainers campaign at World Animal Protection, says, “TripAdvisor is hugely influential and has a critical role to play in helping to end the cruel abuse of wild animals in tourism. We know people want to see wild animals, but they need to be aware of the suffering that goes on behind the scenes and make better, animal-friendly choices. TripAdvisor has an important role to play in educating tourists and highlighting animal-friendly venues, where wild animals can roam free and there is no direct contact between tourists and animals.

“Eight out of ten tourists leave positive reviews for cruel wildlife attractions on TripAdvisor because they don’t see the abuse,” Middelkoop adds. “It’s time TripAdvisor started educating tourists on wildlife-friendly venues, similar to the way it promotes eco-friendly accommodations through its GreenLeaders program.”

World Animal Protection is asking the public to help by signing its petition to call on TripAdvisor to act responsibly and stop profiting from cruelty.

Go to World Animal Protection.

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